Fine Art/C. Inness?

Hi, I recently acquired an original painting on canvas. I'm sure that it's original because you can definitely see raised paint all over it. I believe that it's oil but am not too familiar with these kinds of things. Anyways, I picked it up at a local thrift store with the gut feeling that it was worth more than they wanted for it. It is professionally framed and backed, so I can't actually see the back of the original canvas. It measures approximately 22"X 28", and the bottom left hand corner of the picture is signed with what looks to be "C. Inness". I've attached a photograph. Any history and value information about the piece is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

AnswerElias,
Go to Google Images and type in "C Inness painter". You will see many paintings with the same look that your picture has. What I might describe as an airbrushed, flat two-dimensional look. Go on eBay and run the same search. You'll find a few more, this time with prices ascribed to them. Fine Art databases do list a Clara Davis Inness 1874-1932 who painted in San Francisco. I do not think these works are executed by a fine artist of the nineteenth century, but more likely by a commercial vendor of the mid-to-late twentieth century who has knocked out scores of "C Inness" framed pictures. I could not value your picture as fine art, but would instruct you to compare to similar collectible pictures you might find on eBay.

Possibly because G Inness was one of America's foremost landscape artists of the nineteenth century, that is to say, George Inness, these paintings carry a similar name. But they are in no way comparable to works by that master of tonalism, a true American disciple of the Barbizon school. As above, go to Google Images and hunt for "G Inness". You'll find many, many museum quality paintings by George Inness.

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)

Knowledgeability = 10

Clarity of Response = 10

Politeness = 10

Comment

Thank you. My research turned up similar results, but reconfirmation is greatly appreciated. Thanks again...

Expertise

American Fine Art Paintings. Oils, Watercolors, Sketches. Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century. Hudson River School, Pennsylvania Academy, Cape Ann artists, Ash Can, Woodstock, Florida Indian River, American Impressionists, etc. I can provide some background about artists and perhaps a rough appraisal or guidance towards obtaining a value. I am acquainted with many of the best American art dealers and auction houses. Original works only, I do not follow the print market. I do NOT field questions about prints.

Important to knowI am not expert in European art. I encourage you to send questions on European artists to other experts on this service. NO PRINTS:I encourage you to seek help on prints elsewhere. Two sites come to mind: www.artoftheprint.com and www.philaprintshop.com

Experience

I have been collecting original American Fine Art for over 20 years. I have curated art shows, and I have served as a dealer, providing appraisals and guidance for the last 8 years.

Education/CredentialsBachelor of Arts
Master of Business Administration